Aparnnaa Chavaan

About Aparnnaa Chavaan

Currently serves as Co-Founder of Kalapuri.com In late 2017, to provide a global…

Experience

1. Co-founder

   Kalapuri

   Mar 2018 — Present · Kolhapur, IN

   KALAPURI (Village of Arts n Crafts) is a social enterprise jointly collaborated between Adhar Samajik Sanstha and Women\'s Cottage that has been working with artisans for over 5 years. The Kolhapur town or \'Colapore\' is primarily known for Kolhapuri Chappals, Kolhapuri Saaj, Kolhapuri Thushi, Kolhapuri Pheta, Nauwari Sarees, Ghongadi, Terracotta Pots and Organic Jaggery. However, few have explored the true potential of the versatile art and crafts of this town.Kalapuri.com closely trains and employs artisans. In an industry where more than 90% of the artisans are women, many of Kalapuri\'s products have been handcrafted by women artisans. Proceeds from the sale of Kalapuri.com products go into the design and production of more innovative products while striving to keep the craftswomen employed. In recent times though, Kolhapuri Chappals craft has been dying a slow death. The major factors have been the lack of innovation in design and the Chinese invasion of mass-manufactured, cheaper look-alikes. While there have been designing interventions in the past. However, few have ensured sustainable work for these craftspeople.The attempt has been to reorient the craft to the modern context by ensuring that each design has a utilitarian value and an aesthetic value. The result is a series of products in the lifestyle space that has showcased the adaptability of this traditional heritage.Most Crafts in India continue to remain fragmented and have little focus on building a strong brand or consistent imaging. We at Kalapuri.com believe in a strong communication and quality product design in the crafts sector hence it enables these traditionally crafted products to be showcased on par with the contemporary-created products of today in lifestyle stores and not be limited to the craft-fairs alone.